{"id":696,"date":"2024-05-31T12:30:46","date_gmt":"2024-05-31T04:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zaloraphilippinesblog.wpcomstaging.com\/?p=696"},"modified":"2024-05-31T12:30:47","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T04:30:47","slug":"heres-how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-clay-masks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zaloraphilippinesblog.wpcomstaging.com\/beauty\/heres-how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-clay-masks\/","title":{"rendered":"Beauty 101: How To Get The Most Out Of Clay Masks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The beginner\u2019s guide to a weekly pore-cleansing ritual for skin that feels brand new<\/p>\n\n\n\n

by: Nica Dobles<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone with oily or acne-prone skin who\u2019s ventured into the world of skincare has probably tried a clay mask. It\u2019s an easy way to squeeze in a bit of DIY pampering into your week, after all, and your skin often at least feels much cleaner right after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay masks basically draw out toxins and bacteria to the surface of your skin and soak up excess oil and sebum. <\/strong>The result is unclogged pores (and thus smaller-looking ones) and cleaner skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using clay masks incorrectly, though, you could be doing more harm than good \u2014 use it too much and the drying effects could compromise your moisture barrier<\/a> and irritate your skin even more. You should be clay masking at most only twice a week. <\/strong>If you have sensitive skin, stick to once a week or even biweekly until you\u2019re sure your skin can handle it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how to apply a clay mask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is especially important if you\u2019re using the clay mask at the end of the day \u2014 while it is technically a cleansing step, you still need to get rid of the makeup, sweat, dirt, and other impurities that have accumulated on the surface of your skin first before using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use a gentle cleanser or micellar water<\/strong> for this step, as you don\u2019t want to be overly harsh on your face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Optional: Apply BHA.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is an optional but recommended step<\/strong> to make the most out of your clay mask. Oil-soluble BHAs like salicylic acid and betaine salicylate<\/strong> penetrate your skin to further dissolve oil and loosen up all the other impurities clogging up your pores<\/strong>. This will help the mask remove all that dirt more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember to wait 20\u201330 minutes<\/strong> after applying your BHA before going on to the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more about BHA and other actives:<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beauty 101: The Beginner’s Guide to Actives<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

AHA, BHA, and other ingredients to upgrade your skincare routine<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Apply your clay mask.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are tons of clay mask options out there, in different colors like green, gray, white, and reddish. The most common types of clay you\u2019ll see are bentonite, kaolin<\/strong>, and rhassoul, <\/strong>which have varying degrees of potency (and conversely, potential to irritate your skin).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some masks require you to mix the product with water or raw cider apple cider vinegar (<\/strong>for example: the cult fave Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask), while others are good to go straight from the jar \u2014 so make sure to read the instructions carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apply a thin, even layer to dry skin. <\/strong>You can choose to use it all over your face for a general cleansing, or only in your most problematic areas like your T-zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some clay masks to get you started:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n